The proliferation of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and the severity of nosocomial
critical care infections necessitate the development of viable
alternative therapies. An increase in the tolerance of MRSA to the activity of
vancomycin and to the associated suboptimal therapeutic measures is of particular concern.
Daptomycin, the first of a new class of antimicrobials known as the
lipopeptides, is indicated for the treatment of S aureus, including MRSA, in
bacteremia, right-sided
endocarditis, and complicated skin and skin structure
infections.
Daptomycin has a novel mechanism of action, rapid bactericidal activity, and a lack of cross resistance with other
antibiotic classes.
Daptomycin has also demonstrated efficacy in case studies involving the treatment of
osteomyelitis and involving complicated
persistent infections associated with indwelling medical devices. Because of its efficacy and safety in a variety of infectious conditions and because of its rapid bactericidal activity,
daptomycin is well suited as a viable alternative for patients in the
critical care setting.